How To Pack For a 7 Day Beach Holiday With Hand Luggage Only

When we booked our holiday to Malta we decided to go with hand luggage only which would save us some money. I thought this was a great idea until I started thinking... how on earth would I pack everything I needed?! I decided to get organised. We are flying with RyanAir who have notoriously strict hand luggage allowance ~ one item of hand luggage per person, weighing up to a maximum of 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40 cm x 20cm and everything must be carried in your one piece of permitted hand luggage. So you can see my dilemma!

The key to packing smart and light is organisation. Bring a few key pieces which you can mix and match to create the illusion of a full wardrobe. It is important to make a list before you start so that you a) don't over pack or b) forget something important.

Tips & Tricks

• Roll your clothes. Not only does this take up minimal space but it also is a great way for keeping your clothes relatively crease free. 
• Separate shoes so they don't take up as much space. 
• Slot socks and underwear into any gaps or pockets of air that there might be once you have packed everything else. 
• Pare down your skincare and make up to as little as possible. Remember that liquids must be in bottles under 100ml and a maximum of 1 litre all together. Don't forget that you can buy things such as shampoo and sun cream once you reach your destination. 

What have I packed?

This is what I have packed as it works for me, of course you may like to add or take something away to fit your style. 

• hat
• sunglasses
• 3 bikinis
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of sandals ~ for evening wear
• 5 tank tops
• 1 cardigan
• 2 dresses ~ which can be dressed up or down for day or night
• 2 pairs of shorts ~ cotton & lightweight from Hollister
• 2 sports bras
• 1 pair of running/ yoga tights
• 1 beach bag ~ cotton & lightweight
• 1 t-shirt
• 1 belt
• kindle 
• phone
• chargers

Dress in your bulkier items for the plane. I am wearing: skinny jeans (which are also good to wear if the evenings are cooler), tank top, zip up Abercrombie hoodie (as it gets cool on the plane), a lightweight cotton scarf, running shoes (which are comfortable for the flight but I'm also taking them for exercise whist away). 

Skincare & Make Up

This is where all your sample sized products come into their own. I wouldn't call myself a high maintenance kinda gal so my make up is quite simple and straight forward.

• Loreal Miceller Water (decanted)
• Charles Worthington Leave-In UV Spray (for my coloured hair!)
• Clarins Facial Sun Cream
• Ted Baker Body Wash
• Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
• Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On & On Bronze
• Clarins Multi Active Night Cream
• Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser 
• Maybelline Rocket Mascara in Black Waterproof
• Origins Cheeks & Balances
• Origins Ginzing Eye Cream
• Origins Dr Weil Serum
• Clinque Lip Gloss
• Hoola Bronzer
• NARS Orgasm Blush
• Brushes & a little mirror
• Cotton Wool Pads

I also put my contact lenses in my 'liquids bag' because what they class as a liquid can be a bit random. 

Let me know if you have any top packing tips!